Plan 01
1 day in Kanatal
- 01
Day 1: Forest and a ridge afternoon
Arrive early, settle in and walk a short stretch of Kaudia Forest in the morning while the air is cool. After lunch and a rest, take a gentle stroll near your stay for the evening views. Surkanda Devi Temple is nearby and some visitors add it, but it involves a steep climb, so older travellers may prefer to skip it.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Kaudia Forest 1.5-3 hours for a walk; half a day with a jeep drive Moderate Morning, March to June and September to November; snow can close trails in midwinter Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Kaudia Forest: Trails are forest paths with roots, loose stones and gentle slopes, and there is little seating. At about 2,500 m the air is thin enough to tire some older visitors, so go slowly. A jeep can cover the longer track.
Plan 02
2 days in Kanatal
- 01
Day 1: Forest and rest
Spend the morning in Kaudia Forest, on foot or by jeep, and rest after lunch. Keep the evening free for tea and views.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Kaudia Forest 1.5-3 hours for a walk; half a day with a jeep drive Moderate Morning, March to June and September to November; snow can close trails in midwinter Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Kaudia Forest: Trails are forest paths with roots, loose stones and gentle slopes, and there is little seating. At about 2,500 m the air is thin enough to tire some older visitors, so go slowly. A jeep can cover the longer track.
- 02
Day 2: Tehri Lake
Leave after breakfast for Tehri Lake via Chamba. Take a boat ride, add Tehri Dam only if you want a viewpoint, and return in daylight.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Tehri Lake Half a day to a full day including the drive Easy Clear mornings; activities operate through much of the year, and monsoon access can be difficult Tehri Dam 30-60 minutes for the viewpoint; a full day including the drive and Tehri Lake Easy Clear mornings; avoid heavy monsoon months when roads can slip Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
Plan 03
3 days in Kanatal
- 01
Day 1: Arrival and a short walk
Travel up from Dehradun or Rishikesh, rest and take a short forest walk before dinner.
- 02
Day 2: Forest morning, Chamba afternoon
Early walk in Kaudia Forest, then a visit to Chamba for the market and viewpoints. Return for tea and an early night.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Kaudia Forest 1.5-3 hours for a walk; half a day with a jeep drive Moderate Morning, March to June and September to November; snow can close trails in midwinter Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Kaudia Forest: Trails are forest paths with roots, loose stones and gentle slopes, and there is little seating. At about 2,500 m the air is thin enough to tire some older visitors, so go slowly. A jeep can cover the longer track.
- 03
Day 3: Tehri Lake and Tehri Dam
A full day out to Tehri Lake and New Tehri with lunch in town. Keep the activities light and head back before dark.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Tehri Lake Half a day to a full day including the drive Easy Clear mornings; activities operate through much of the year, and monsoon access can be difficult Tehri Dam 30-60 minutes for the viewpoint; a full day including the drive and Tehri Lake Easy Clear mornings; avoid heavy monsoon months when roads can slip Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
Read before you go
Guides for the stops on these routes
Pacing
Pacing a Kanatal trip for parents and children
- Spend the first day resting; at about 2,500 m even short walks can feel tiring.
- Book a hotel that has a driveway to the door, since many stays sit on steep, narrow lanes.
- Winter brings snow and road closures. Travel only with a driver used to ice and check conditions the day before.
- Carry regular medicines and a small first-aid kit; medical facilities in the village are basic.
- Do not take Surkanda Devi's steep climb unless you are confident; consider seeing it from below or skipping it.
- Plan lake days in daylight and avoid driving winding roads after dark.
Book the pieces
Stay close to the route
Pick a base near the first day's sights. Our guide to where to stay in Kanatal compares the areas.
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